Russell Sage College Gators Defeat Castleton Spartans 75-64

In a commanding performance, the Russell Sage College Gators men’s basketball team secured a 75-64 victory over the Vermont State University: Castleton Spartans on November 15, 2023, in Albany, New York. This win marks the Gators’ second 4-0 start in three years, highlighting their strong early-season form.

The game was significantly shaped by a dominant first half, where the Gators closed the period with a remarkable 34-8 run. Junior guard Pape Tunkara led all scorers with 18 points, shooting an impressive 5-of-7 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range. His performance also included six steals and four assists, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.

Key Contributions and Defensive Strength

Senior guard Brandon Harris supported the effort with 13 points, five steals, and four rebounds. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Kyle Dhu, who was recently named the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Week, contributed 11 points and seven rebounds. Junior guard Deavion Springsteen rounded out the scoring with 10 points.

Defensively, the Gators were relentless, forcing the Spartans into a dismal 6-of-31 shooting performance in the first half, which equated to 19.4 percent. Castleton struggled particularly from beyond the arc, hitting just 1-of-15 three-point attempts before halftime. The Gators capitalized on this defensive pressure, forcing 15 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.

Spartans Rally but Gators Maintain Control